Mikel Arteta says he is aware of Arsenal’s poor record at Old Trafford and urged his side to be at their best if they want to win against Manchester United on Sunday.
Arsenal travel away to Manchester United with intentions of applying more pressure on Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title.
Mikel Arteta’s side are currently one point clear at the top of the table but remain second favourites as Manchester City have a game in hand. If Manchester City drop points in their remaining fixtures against Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham, Arsenal will have the opportunity to take the initiative in their two remaining games- away to Manchester United and at home to Everton on the final day.
Arsenal have won just one of their last 16 trips to Old Trafford and this game, irrespective of United’s form, will be a huge test for the Gunners in their bid to secure the title. Having said that, United’s habit of conceding shots- the most of any team in the league since the turn of the year- does not bode well for them considering Arsenal possess one of the most potent attacks in the world and are primed to capitalise on United’s defensive woes.
Nonetheless, Arteta is aware of the challenge ahead and says his side need to be at their best if they are to emerge victorious.
Arteta said: “Every game has a different context. We know our history [at Old Trafford] how we have done over there, so we are going to have to be at our best to win the game.
“We know what we need to do, but first we have to perform at a high level to deserve to win the match. That is where the focus is.
“It leaves us in a very clear situation. We have to focus and do what we have to do to be in the best possible situation. That’s what we are doing.
“We have to think that it is going to work and we can be better than our opponent and beat them. The final outcome might be something else, but that is not in our control.”
